Wuchenich to lead Law Enforcement and Safety

The University of South Carolina has named Chris Wuchenich as associate vice president of the Division of Law Enforcement and Safety.

Wuchenich, who was sworn in by Dr. Ted Moore, vice president for finance and planning, Friday (Aug. 27) at the law-enforcement offices on Senate Street, takes the helm of a police force responsible for the safety of 40,000 students, faculty and staff and more than 100,000 visitors to the Columbia campus each year.

He succeeds Ernie Ellis, who retired after 40 years of service.

A 15-year veteran of USC law enforcement, Wuchenich said his new role is a privilege and an honor.

“With your support and commitment, we will continue to serve the university and surrounding community with respect, compassion and integrity and advance our division,” he said. “The Ellis tradition of caring, accountability and dedication to constant improvement has guided us ably, and we will continue to follow those principles.”

A full-service police agency, USC’s Division of Law Enforcement and Safety comprises more than 60 sworn officers and 30 civilian employees who serve and protect the Columbia campus, which spans 350 acres and includes more than 138 buildings.

As associate director of law enforcement and safety, a post held since 2008, Wuchenich was directly responsible for the oversight of all police operations, including uniform patrol, criminal investigations, training and staff development and safety and emergency management. He previously had served as deputy director for support services and a patrol officer and investigator in the division.

A native of Pittsburgh, Wuchenich earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration in 1994 and 1998, respectively, from USC. He is a graduate of the 213th session of the FBI National Academy.

He is married to Katherine Wuchenich, and they have a daughter, Kristina.